Solidarity Resolution

WHEREAS, the principles of Unitarian Universalism call us to affirm the inherent worth and dignity of every person and to seek a world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all; and

WHEREAS Unitarian Universalist congregations like First Unitarian Society in Denver show us how to act on those principles by working in solidarity with immigrants and refugees facing deportation; and

WHEREAS the James Reeb Unitarian Universalist Congregation resolved in 2015 to stand with our neighbors of color and engage in public witness and direct action in response to their calls; and

WHEREAS the James Reeb Unitarian Universalist Congregation has signed the 2017 UUA declaration of Conscience, pledging opposition to “any and all unjust government actions to deport, register, discriminate, or despoil”; and

WHEREAS federal and state governments continue to intimidate, exclude, deport, unjustly imprison and discriminate against immigrants, refugees and Muslims; therefore, be it

RESOLVED that we, the members of James Reeb Unitarian Universalist Congregation, publicly stand in solidarity with the immigrant community in the greater Madison area; and be it further

RESOLVED that we pledge to join and support a faith-based network of sanctuary and solidarity volunteers and congregations in Madison, Wisconsin to provide our immigrant and refugee neighbors with assistance, including but not limited to: meals, transportation, childcare, accompaniment to appointments and hearings, bond assistance, and witnessing on their behalf in order to keep our communities whole; and be it further

RESOLVED that we offer our own facilities for meeting space, public support by our minister, the use of our name in the media, public witness, and participation of our members in direct actions as we are called to be of service by our immigrant community; and be it further

RESOLVED that we dedicate ourselves to educate and activate our congregation, to amplify and respond to the voices of immigrant and refugee leaders, and to speak out against all efforts to marginalize, oppress and exploit immigrants and refugees.